In this powerful episode of Dishin’ Up Diaspora, host Chef Emme sits down with the brilliant and bold Chef Lana Lagomarsini, a Bronx-born culinary force who’s redefining what it means to cook through the lens of the African diaspora. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Lana has worked in acclaimed kitchens like Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Gramercy Tavern, and Momofuku Ko—and went on to become a fan favorite on Netflix’s Pressure Cooker and a competitor on Top Chef Canada.
Lana opens up about her multicultural upbringing shaped by Southern soul food, Puerto Rican, German, and Italian influences—and how growing up in NYC exposed her to a rich tapestry of food culture, from garlic knots to Jewish delis. She shares her pivot from a journalism degree at Northeastern University to culinary school, driven by a love of food media and a deep-seated desire to tell stories through cooking.
In this episode, we dive into:
- What it means to cook through the lens of the African diaspora
- Why Lana rejects the word “elevated” and how she instead reimagines Black heritage cuisines through fine dining techniques
- Her journey from restaurant kitchens to launching her own private chef business, Lana Cooks, during the pandemic
- The realities of private cheffing, catering, residencies, and food festivals—and how to break into that world
- Her thoughts on competition cooking, imposter syndrome, and staying true to your culinary voice
- The importance of community and collaboration among Black women chefs
- Advice for aspiring chefs looking to forge their own path outside the traditional restaurant system
Lana also speaks candidly about authenticity, responsibility in representing diasporic cuisines, and why she believes words matter—sharing why she never says “elevated” and chooses language that honors the history of the food she cooks.
Whether you’re a culinary creative, food lover, or just someone navigating identity through your work, this conversation will leave you inspired, empowered, and craving more.
🎧 Listen now to hear how Lana’s artistry, activism, and ancestral flavors come together in the kitchen—and how you can carve your own path too.
Follow Chef Lana: @lana_cooks
Follow the podcast: @dishinupdiasporapodcast
Follow Chef Emme: @chefemme_
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